Many people consider ankle injuries to be sports-related. However, it's not necessary to be an athlete or even a "weekend warrior" to injure your ankle. A painful, crippling sprain can result from something as easy as stepping on an uneven surface. Anyone can sustain an ankle injury at any age. However, men aged between 15 and 24 are more susceptible to ankle sprains.
On the other hand, women older than 30 years of age have higher rates of such sprains than men. Ankle sprains generally happen while participating in sports. Furthermore, ankle injuries are responsible for over a million visits in the emergency rooms annually. The most common ankle injuries are sprains and fractures involving ligaments and bones of the ankle. A tear or strain of a tendon is also common.
Let’s know more about the various aspects of ankle injuries in the following article. We will also help you to reach the best orthopedicians and orthopedic hospitals for expert ankle injury treatment in Dwarka. This will help you or someone you know who has recently suffered an ankle injury to have a fast recovery & the best rehabilitation.
The type of tissue that is injured—bone, ligament, or tendon—defines ankle injuries. Three bones come together at the ankle: the talus of your foot and the tibia and fibula of your lower leg. Strong, elastic bands of connective tissue called ligaments hold these bones together at the ankle joint while permitting proper ankle motion. Tendons help to maintain the stability of the joints and connect the muscles that move the foot and ankle to the bones.
Following are the two most common types of ankle injuries:
| Type of Ankle Injury | Definition | Structures Involved | Severity / Variations Mentioned | Causes / Mechanism |
| Ankle Fracture | A break in one or more bones around the ankle. | Bones of the ankle joint. | Can range from small cracks to complete breaks (implied). | Trauma, fall, twisting injury (general mechanism). |
| Ankle Sprain | Injury caused when ligaments stretch beyond their normal range of motion. | Ligaments around the ankle. | • Small fiber tears • Partial tear • Complete ligament rupture | Sudden twisting, overstretching, awkward landing. |
| Ankle Strain | Damage to muscles or tendons caused by excessive pulling or stretching. | Muscles and tendons around the ankle, especially peroneal tendons. | • Tendon inflammation (Tendinitis) • Microscopic tears (Tendinosis) • Acute tendon tear • Tendon rupture | Overuse, trauma, repetitive overstretching, sudden excessive force. |
| Peroneal Tendon Subluxation | Tendon slips out of its normal position (instability). | Peroneal tendons along the outer ankle. | Considered a form of subluxation injury. | Sudden force, twisting injury, or loose/failing tendon-support structures. |
A fracture and a sprain have very similar symptoms. Therefore, it's critical to consult a doctor right away for your ankle injury examination. Following are the symptoms:
The ankle can be stiff after a sprain. A fracture can cause the ankle to appear malformed or out of position, and the affected area will be sensitive to the touch. The pain and swelling may be minimal if the sprain is mild. However, an extensive sprain usually causes significant swelling and excruciating pain.
Physical examination and history taking: A doctor will first ask how the injury happened. After that, the doctor will assess the ankle and examine the extent of bruising and swelling. Because the doctor must move the ankle to assess the pain and swelling in order to provide an accurate diagnosis, the physical examination of the ankle may be uncomfortable.
Imaging: To check for fractured bones, the doctor will advise an X-ray of the ankle. To check for possible other injuries, your doctor can prescribe X-rays of your leg and foot in addition to an ankle. More imaging tests, such as an MRI, might be advised to provide more information about the injury if they suspect a stress fracture. A stress view X-ray, which is a special X-ray obtained with pressure applied to the joint, may also be prescribed depending upon circumstances. This will assist the doctor in deciding if surgery is necessary.
Treatment of Ankle Fracture
Both nonsurgical and surgical methods can be used to treat fractures. If just one bone is broken, the ankle is stable, and the bones are not out of alignment, the doctor may repair the break without surgery by immobilizing the ankle. Usually, the doctor will do this by applying a cast or a brace that functions as a splint. Surgery will be used to treat the fracture if the ankle is unstable. A metal plate and screws to secure the bones are often employed to stabilize the ankle. After the procedure, a splint is used to protect the ankle until the swelling subsides. After this, a cast is applied. You could require physical therapy to give gait training, balancing, strengthening, and mobility exercises after your doctor has decided it is safe for you to begin moving your ankle.
| Sprain Grade | Description | Treatment |
| Grade 1 (Mild) | Minor ligament stretch | RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation); no splint/cast |
| Grade 2 (Moderate) | Partial ligament tear | RICE + more healing time; boot/splint |
| Grade 3 (Severe) | Complete ligament tear/rupture | Immobilization; long rehab |
Treatment options for sprains and tendon injuries are similar. Among them are:
If someone suspects they may have sprained or broken their ankle, they should get in touch with a medical expert immediately. Healing can be enhanced, and the chances of long-term damage can be lowered with early intervention.
Get expert ankle injury treatment in Dwarka from Dr. Ishwar Bohra. For accurate diagnosis and advanced orthopedic care, book your consultation today!
Q1: When does ankle injury treatment become necessary?
A: Consult an orthopedic surgeon if you have significant pain, swelling, bruises, deformity, or difficulty bearing weight. These signs might point to tendon damage, ligament tear, or fracture.
Q2: If I have ankle injuries, will I require imaging (X-ray or MRI)?
A: Most probably. Orthopaedic specialists usually advise X-rays or sometimes MRI or ultrasound to precisely diagnose fractures, ligament tears, or tendon injuries.
Q3: When can I walk after an ankle sprain?
A: Generally healing time varies according to the grade of sprain. But always follow your doctor’s instructions to manage immobilisation.
Grade 1: Yes, after 1–3 days
Grade 2: After initial healing
Grade 3: Not until proper immobilization
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